2021 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 520 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 16 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, mid/rear assembly, reclinerMar 5, 2026
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Campaign 26V128000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresJun 18, 2024
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Campaign 24V452000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 20, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Campaign 23V865000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, bumpersOct 26, 2023
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Campaign 23V720000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
520 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jul 6, 2026
at 109,000 miles the car started having a whining sound with accelerating. When inspected by the Toyota dealer were told we would need a new transmission. Upon further searching there have been many many reports of transmission failure with the UA80 8 speech automatic transmissions. Toyota is aware of this issue but only a few vehicles have been recalled. It is thought to be a problem with manufacturing.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2026
The back hatch of the car has issues closing regularly. Nearly half of the time you push the button to shut the back hatch when it is open it will not close and has to be shut manually. Typically, it shuts an inch or two and then beeps at you and when you push the button again nothing happens but beeping. This is an issue because it is very difficult to close. Even as a 6' 200+ lb man who does strength training regularly, shutting the back hatch is difficult to do manually let alone for my much smaller wife. This has let to her having to ask for help from strangers in a parking lot to help close the door which is unsafe, particularly since we have small children. Toyota has acknowledged that this is a known issue and have stated that there is nothing that they can do to fix it. This acknowledgement came when the car was very new and my father was the owner and again just a few months ago when we brought up the issue again with Toyota.
Power train, Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle started making a high pitched noise when accelerating at around 98,000mi. I took the vehicle in for the 100,000mi service at 100,854mi and had them also look at this issue. I was told that there was a failure in the front carrier pinion shafts and they recommended replacing the transaxle assembly and rear main seal for $8,354. The vehicle was certified with a 100,000mi power train warranty, but it was just out of warranty. I discovered that there is a class action lawsuit against Toyota for knowingly installing transmissions in 2017 to present vehicles that were known to fail prematurely.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Jun 25, 2026
2021 Toyota Highlander UA80 transmission failed at 100,000 miles. Codes P2808, P0741. Matches Toyota TSB-0160-18 and T-SB-0008-21. Dealer Alexander Toyota and TMS Brand Engagement denied goodwill. TMS rep stated "TSBs don't matter" despite pending class action Pallaya v Toyota, Case 2:25-cv-10458, which cites these TSBs as proof Toyota knew of defect. Toyota refusing to honor documented defect. Transmission slip/loss of power is safety issue. Request investigation.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2026
Have been having issues with my 2021 highlander power liftgate strut failure. It will not open at times unless you have to repeat pressing the button. It makes a noise that you know it is definitely not working right. This has been going on for three years and the service department keeps telling me it is working fine for right now...
Power train, Jun 25, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the documented transmission issue impacting vehicles with the UA80E transmission. Our transmission whines and experiences a hesitation or jerks the vehicle. Especially under acceleration. My vehicle was purchased brand new from Toyota. Serviced at a Toyota dealership since purchase.
Power train, Jun 24, 2026
Transmission started to whine and act erratically during driving. These effects put safety of those in the vehicle at risk by causing distractions to whomever was driving the vehicle, taking their focus off driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the transmission needed to be replaced due to an internal failure. They said they were able to quickly diagnose this problem because "they saw it a lot." There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle.
Power train, Jun 24, 2026
The transmission is in the whining stage of transmission failure. It has been confirmed by Cumberland Toyota in Cookeville, TN. There were no warning lamps, etc. however Toyota did post a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on February 09, 2021 that my vehicle would have transmission issues. My warranty expired the last of April 2026 and I am over the mileage warranty by 800 miles. I recognized the whining on June 21, 2026 and reported to Toyota on June 22, 2026. Toyota knew this transmission was going to fail and most are being reported just outside the 60,000 mile warranty. I have asked for help and assistance from the local dealership as well as corporate, but both have declined to assist.
Power train, Jun 23, 2026
Transmission needed! 76,000 miles and Toyota will not address the issue! We have owned Toyotas for 30 some years! Sienna, Avalon, RAV4, Sequoia, and now the Highlander!!!!! There is a massive issue with the transmission across the board in the 2021 and 2022 Highlander and Toyota will not replace.
Power train, Jun 23, 2026
After just passing 100K miles, there is now a whirling noise upon acceleration. After taking to an auto repair shop, they narrowed it down to the transmission and said it was a known problem (referenced T-SB-0008-21) and suggested I take it to the dealership. I took to the dealership where a service manager offered to ride with me to confirm and he confirmed the issue was in fact the known problem noted from the technical service bulletin. The Toyota dealership assistant service manager stated that the noise (which he said was coming from a final drive gear bearing) would continue to get progressively worse and that despite being a known issue, there was no remediation available aside from replacing the transmission completely. He said that he saw no reason that I could not continue to drive the car without complications and without the transmission going completely out for at least a couple more years, but that the noise would get progressively louder until you could no longer tolerate the noise level and would need a new transmission at that point (despite it just beginning last week (or my just noticing it), you can hear it over the the radio when at a low to moderate volume). If this is a "known issue," (ie: a defect that is only in some of the cars per the T-SB-0008-21 notice) this does not seem like a reasonable answer to 'just wait until you can't stand the noise level with acceleration and then completely replace your transmission as there is nothing we can do for you' but it was suggested that I could take it to a body shop that would rebuild transmissions and they may could replace that part.
Power train, Engine, Jun 22, 2026
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 127k miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining/whirring noise during acceleration. The noise appears to originate from the drivetrain/transmission area and has become increasingly noticeable over time. The condition occurs every-time during acceleration and is present under normal driving conditions. I am concerned that this may indicate a transmission or drivetrain-related issue that could affect vehicle reliability and safety. I have found reports from other 2021 Toyota Highlander owners describing similar symptoms involving whining noises during acceleration. The vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealership. And is certified through Toyota. The vehicles was bought new from the Toyota dealership and has had all service done through Toyota. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this condition is part of a broader pattern affecting similar vehicles as a defect in the original transmission built in the SUV.
Power train, Jun 19, 2026
I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle developed transmission symptoms including whining noise. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended complete transmission replacement at a cost of approximately $9786.31. Toyota declined repair assistance. I am concerned because a transmission failure at this mileage is unexpected and appears similar to other owner complaints involving the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission.
Power train, Jun 17, 2026
The transmission in my 2021 Toyota Highlander began producing a whining noise during acceleration between approximately 15-50 mph at around 80,000 miles. The noise stops when the accelerator is released and has progressively become louder. The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership. I was informed that the condition is a known issue affecting some Toyota vehicles, but no repair was offered because the vehicle is outside the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are currently no warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes. I am concerned that the transmission may fail while driving, resulting in loss of power or propulsion and creating a safety risk for myself and other motorists. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
Structure, Jun 17, 2026
The front lower bumper detached while driving on the PA turnpike. The vehicle was traveling in the left lane approximately 75 MPH and was bumping on the road until we were able to pull over all the way to the right lane for approximately 1-2 miles. This hanging bumper dragging on the floor causing some damage to upper bumper as well. This was extremely unsafe for everyone in our vehicle and put the safety of all other driver around us at risk of accidents. No warning lights were present before bumper detached. Toyota dealership looked at it and refused to do anything about it, saying that they see damage to upper bumper and that is not part of recall. I told them the damage to upper bumper was caused by lower bumper falling off and being dragged at speeds of 75MPH until we could safely pull over. They stated that the recal only offered a repair kit to lower bumper. I will include a picture of bumper after lower bumper detached and upper bumper still firmly attached. I had no option and had the bumper repaired by a auto body repair shop. This should have been fixed by toyota and i would like to be reimbursed by toyota. There should be punishment to toyota corp for endagering the public and not keeping their word to correct recalls when they are known about. On June 8, 2026 i received a text message from toyota informing me that there was a recall on my vehicle for front bumper detaching. I responded that is exactly what happened to my vehicle. Needless to say they did not respond to that.
Power train, Jun 17, 2026
Transmission makes a metallic whining sound when you accelerate. Associated and confirmed to be transmission failure. Vehicle has 65,000 miles on it and failure is considered premature. The specific transmission, UA80, is known to have manufacturing defects that cause this problem
Power train, Jun 15, 2026
The vehicle transmission has a distinct whine noise as previous models have had. This is a known issue with these transmissions.
Seats, Jun 14, 2026
On XXX, I was driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander at approximately 55 mph when a deer entered the roadway and I had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. My [XXX] daughter was properly seated in the second-row seat and was properly restrained by her seatbelt. During the braking event, the second-row seat unexpectedly folded forward while she was seated in it. As a result, my daughter experienced rib pain and soreness that lasted several days. After the incident, the seat was returned to the upright position and appeared to latch normally. The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the second-row seat. I contacted Toyota Customer Care on XXX, and Toyota provided a rental vehicle on XXX, while the recall issue is being addressed. I am reporting this incident because the recalled seat failed during an emergency braking event and resulted in injury to a child passenger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 13, 2026
Right after the manufacture warranty of 60K miles, the car began to make a humming noise. I took the car into the dealership with 65K miles on 13 Jun 2026, and the Toyota dealership stated that the humming is caused by the transmission and we will need to replace the entire transmission. The cost would be $9,447.29. This issue is known by Toyota and Toyota put out Toyota Service Bulletin (T-SB-008-21) but failed to issue recall for this defective transmission.
Power train, Jun 12, 2026
On two separate occasions I was traveling approx. five to ten miles an hours and had to change lanes. Traffic was heavy and I had to accelerate quickly to do the lane change. The vehicle engine started to rev high and I was barely moving. It was like the transmission didn't know what to do. I had to let my foot completely off the gas for fearing I was going to blow something up. I advised Toyota On Nicholasville several times and they totally ignored me. Also occasionally the transmission will make a clunking noise when shifting in reverse. While this isn't as much of a safety concern as needing your vehicle to respond in traffic and it doesn't. It's very difficult to get Toyota dealers even to document what your concerns are. The way they see it, if wasn't documented, then it didn't happen. The transmission in this vehicle is not safe. You can't rely on the transmission to respond if you are put in a dangerous situation.
Power train, Jun 11, 2026
My vehicle has 67,100 miles. A whining/whistling noise recently started and the dealer has diagnosed that a new transmission is needed at a cost of $6,000-$8,000 and it is out of warranty. Researching this shows that this is a known manufacturing defect referred to under T-SB-0008-21. I am concerned that my transmission will fail while I am operating the vehicle.
Power train, Jun 11, 2026
Transmission makes whining noise
Electrical system, Air bags, Lane departure, Jun 11, 2026
Four days after I took delivery of this used vehicle (April 25, 2026), multiple warning lights appeared at once: BRAKE, ABS, PARK, Check Engine, Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable, and RCTA OFF. An independent Toyota dealership diagnosed the vehicle April 27-28, 2026 (approx. 109,000 miles) and found (1) water leaking into the rear hybrid battery area through a sunroof drain "installed incorrectly," causing a Brake System Control Module low-voltage code, starting issues, a headlight only partially functioning on one side, possible air in the brake system, and a musty HVAC odor; and (2) blind spot monitor fault code C1AC2 (Slave Module Horizontal Axis Misalignment) - the blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring systems do not function reliably. At a second visit on May 4, 2026, recalibration was unsuccessful; per Toyota procedure the only remaining option is replacing the right-rear blind spot sensor. The technician wrote the cause is a mystery, "whether it be body damage related or electrical short." Toyota service records show the same C1AC2 code was documented during the selling dealer's own pre-sale inspection, and that in December 2024 another Toyota dealership pulled the rear bumper and found the RR blind spot sensor bracket bent, causing incorrect readings - a recurring safety defect that prior calibrations and repairs have not resolved. Separately, federal safety recall 23V865 (occupant classification sensors; the passenger airbag may not deploy as designed) was open and incomplete when I purchased the vehicle and remains incomplete, and Toyota service campaign 25TD01 (rear traction motor cable corrosion) is also outstanding. The defect has been reproduced and confirmed by two Toyota dealerships, reported to the selling dealer in writing, and reported to Toyota's customer-care center. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. No crash, fire, or injury.
Power train, Jun 8, 2026
Our transmission is whining during acceleration.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2026
Car has stopped while pumping gas seems to be specifically after rain. There was a heavy rain and immediately after while pumping gas car was not able to start. Received message steering power low. Happened 3 times after first incident while pumping gas. Car was checked by a mechanic and believe it might be a defect with a part called purge flow ? After part was inspected all check engine lights and alerts on cars went away for a few weeks. Once again we had light rain and the same issue restarted , with unable to power car after pumping gas
Power train, Jun 5, 2026
2021 Highlander began with whining noise around May 15, 2026 and just outside the warranty. Had the vehicle inspected at the Toyota dealer for repair. They informed me the transmission failed and needs replaced for a price of $9600. Found on the internet that many folks are having the same transmission issue on several Toyotas made in 2021 with a UA80E or UA80F transmission. Toyota issued a Technical service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) on FEBRUARY 9, 2021! We received no warning until the whining noise. We attempted a “goodwill case” to get Toyota to help pay but were denied for the simple reason we used our own mechanic. This has absolutely no effect on this transmission failure. Since Toyota was always aware of this issue I feel they should be held accountable. This is a major faulty product.